Methyl bromide
Synonyms & Trade Names
Bromomethane, MonobromomethanePhysical Description
Colorless gas with a chloroform-like odor at high concentrations. [Note: A liquid below 38°F. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]Molecular Weight
95.0Boiling Point
38°FFreezing Point
-137°FSolubility
2%Vapor Pressure
1.9 atmIonization Potential
10.54 eVSpecific Gravity
1.73 (Liquid at 32°F)Flash Point
NA (Gas)Upper Exposive Limit
16.0%Lower Explosive Limit
10%Relative Gas Density
3.36
Flammable Gas, but only in presence of a high energy ignition source.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Aluminum, magnesium, strong oxidizers [Note: Attacks aluminum to form aluminum trimethyl, which is SPONTANEOUSLY flammable.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption (liquid), skin and/or eye contact (liquid)Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; muscle weak, incoordination, visual disturbance, dizziness; nausea, vomiting, headache; malaise (vague feeling of discomfort); hand tremor; convulsions; dyspnea (breathing difficulty); skin vesiculation; liquid: frostbite; [potential occupational carcinogen]Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous systemCancer Site
[in animals: lung, kidney & forestomach tumors]Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact (liquid)
Eyes:Prevent eye contact (liquid)
Wash skin:When contaminated (liquid)
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Quick drench (liquid)
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately (liquid)
Skin:Water flush immediately (liquid)
Breathing:Respiratory support
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division